Wingnuts Sign Rookie Righty Sanburn
April 17, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, Kans. - The Wichita Wingnuts inked another addition to the 2018 pitching staff on Tuesday, announcing the signing of right-hander Parker Sanburn.
Sanburn made his professional debut last season with two stops in the Texas Rangers minor league system. Over nine total appearances between short season Spokane and Class-A Hickory, the 23-year old went 0-2 with a 2.35 ERA, striking out 16 and allowing just 10 hits in 15.1 innings of work.
The Kokomo, Ind., native originally began his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, making 11 relief appearances for the Razorbacks as a freshman. Sanburn transferred to Indiana University but did not play, eventually finding his way to Des Moines Area Community College, where he pitched under the tutelage of DMACC pitching coach and former Wingnuts hurler Jason Van Skike. The righty converted to a starting role for the Bears, tossing four complete games on his way to a 5-3 record and 3.44 ERA.
When Sanburn wasn't selected in the MLB Draft following his season at DMACC, he spent the summer pitching in the Northwoods League for the Lakeshore Chinooks. Over the course of 15 relief outings and 24.1 innings, Sanburn posted an eye-popping 0.37 ERA, striking out 48 while surrendering eight hits. His performance with the Chinooks caught the attention of the Rangers, who signed him as a minor league free agent on July 18 of last year.
Sanburn comes from a baseball family, with connections to the American Association and the Wichita area. Parker's cousin Chandler is currently a senior on the Wichita State baseball team, while older brother Nolan was briefly a member of the Winnipeg Goldeyes prior to last season, before ultimately signing with the Washington Nationals organization.
Sanburn's signing brings the number of Wingnuts players under contract for the 2018 season up to 27. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during spring training, which opens on May 6.
Stay up to date on all player signings and transactions by checking on the Wingnuts roster here.
The 11th season of Wingnuts baseball and the club's pursuit of an eighth consecutive division title kicks off with a three-game home series against the Kansas City T-Bones, beginning on Friday, May 18. For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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American Association Stories from April 17, 2018
- Former Pirates Farmhand Joins T-Bones Ship - Kansas City Monarchs
- Wingnuts Sign Rookie Righty Sanburn - Wichita Wingnuts
- Franchise Home Run Leader, 2012 Champion Returns - Winnipeg Goldeyes
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